Control of Gene Expression More about bacteria!
Now part of the rest of the bacteria chromosome can be transferred to another bacteria cell: Recombination exchanges segments of DNA.
Why would a bacteria want to control gene expression anyway? In order to adjust to the changing environment. For example: Amino acid, Tryptophan (found in chicken, turkey, fish, soybeans, etc.) E. coli can make their own tryptophan, but are they going to bother making their own when Thanksgiving rolls around?! But first…some VOCABULARY!
The entire stretch of DNA required for enzyme production. Operon The entire stretch of DNA required for enzyme production. Includes the operator, promoter and genes they control.
Promoter Region where RNA polyermase binds
Operator Acts as an “on-off switch” Region between the promoter and the first gene
Repressor Protein that binds to the operator and blocks the attachment of RNA polymerase
Corepressor A small molecule that cooperates with a repressor protein to switch an operator off
Regulatory Gene The gene that produces repressors
Inducer A molecule that inactivates the repressor
Now let’s put it all together!
How do all the parts interact? NO tryptophan in environment: Repressor does not bind to the operator RNA polymerase attaches Enzymes are made that make tryptophan
What happens if we just ate some turkey?! Tryptophan in the environment: Tryptophan acts as a corepressor and binds to the repressor. The repressor now has the correct shape to bind to the operator. RNA polymerase can NOT attach to the promotor Tryptophan synthesis is STOPPED!
Repressible vs. Inducible Operons Repressible operon: one that is inhibited when a specific small molecule binds to a regulatory protein Normally ON: active Function in anabolic pathways (making) Inducible operon: one that is stimulated when a specific small molecule interacts with a regulatory protein. Normally OFF: inactive Function in catabolic pathways (breaking down)
Inducible operon example… The lac operon contains genes that code for enzymes that break down lactose. Your mom forgot to buy milk: your bacteria are not going to make any enzymes for the breakdown of lactose (OFF)
No milk = operator OFF
Got milk = operator ON
Do you know your vocabulary?! Let’s find out!
Clue #1 The entire stretch of DNA required for enzyme production. Includes the operator, promoter and genes they control.
Operon
Clue #2 Region where RNA polyermase binds
Promoter
Clue #3 Acts as an “on-off switch” Region between the promoter and the first gene
Operator
Clue #4 Protein that binds to the operator and blocks the attachment of RNA polymerase
Repressor
Clue #5 A small molecule that cooperates with a repressor protein to switch an operator off
Corepressor
Clue #6 The gene that produces repressors
Regulatory Gene
Clue #7 A molecule that inactivates the repressor
Inducer